THESE IMMORTAL TRUTHS

Rachelle Raeta was born and raised in Northern California where she spent her youth participating in 4-H and fighting for her life trying to ride a (particularly stubborn) horse past an apple tree. These days, she loves writing heart-tugging stories that use magical elements to highlight the human ones. When she isn’t agonizing over word choices, she’s usually reading, drowning in home projects, or playing with yarn. She is a trigeminal neuralgia survivor and believes in living your best life day by day.

“These Immortal Truths is a gorgeous meditation on love, life, and the inexorable passage of time. Rachelle Raeta is an absolute poet, and I’m already eagerly anticipating her next book.” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Astral Library

“Beautiful, haunting, and healing, this book will sweep you through centuries as it envelops your heart. Wonderful and unforgettable!” —Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

“Swoonworthy and thoroughly transportive, Raeta’s graceful ‘love letter to everyday heroes’ will have romantic fantasy enthusiasts enthralled.” —Publishers Weekly (STARRED review)

“These Immortal Truths is a wonderful novel and a fascinating examination of the blessings and the curses of a life that never ends. Rachelle Raeta has created a stunningly original heroine who marches through centuries of life and love with courage and compassion. Rich with history and magic, this compelling and poignant tale is not to be missed.” —Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches

“These Immortal Truths has imprinted itself onto my skin. Rachelle Raeta’s new novel is a brilliant and gripping new take on the mythology of immortality. It follows Anna and Khiran through more than eight hundred years, and who, despite their powers and their immortality, remain all too human, with all the flaws and joys and messiness that entails. Raeta’s writing fairly sparkles on the page, but it is her unerring attention to detail to every century and every country that allows the reader to completely inhabit Anna’s world. The sounds, the smells, the clothes, are rendered stunningly real as you walk beside Anna, who serves as both witness to, and participant in, the beauty and the horrors of humanity. This book will haunt you long after the last page is turned.” —Rita Woods, award-winning author of Remembrance

“For several weeks after reading I was replaying scenes in my head. . . . The stay-up-past-your-bedtime-to-finish kind of good.” —Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

“I thoroughly enjoyed this sweeping tale of love and loss, healing and heartbreak. Anna’s empathy and compassion for others made her a heroine I was delighted to spend centuries with.” —Serra Swift, author of Kill the Beast

“Rachelle Raeta weaves an epic and romantic tapestry—one of lush prose and rich historical detail, and of characters who will break your heart in one century and put it back together in the next. I adored this book.” —Bel Banta, author of The Court of Venus

1. After giving Anna immortality, Khiran brings her to Eira’s meadow for safekeeping. It is here where Anna grows into herself, becoming trained in medicine and herbalism. Discuss the significance of Eira, to both Khiran and Anna. How does their relationship with Eira change from the beginning of These Immortal Truths to the end of These Godly Lies?
2. Throughout the centuries, Anna finds shelter in various countries. In These Immortal Truths, Anna travels from England to France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, the American Colonies, and the Philippines. These Godly Lies sees Anna in countries such as Australia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Pakistan, India, and China. How was Anna impacted by each location? Which location(s) stood out to you the most?
3. During her journeys, Anna finds herself most at home in a secluded California cottage, far from wandering eyes. The cottage becomes a place of security where Anna can engage in her favorite hobbies, free from spying gods. Which place, whether a town or city, feels most like home for you? Share why this place brings you comfort and security.
4. Anna and Khiran’s love for each other grows over the centuries, with each willing to do anything to protect one another from harm. At first, Khiran is hesitant to tell Anna the details about her newfound immortality and the dangers that lie ahead. Was he right in not telling Anna? If you were Khiran, what would you have done? Explain why.
5. In France, Anna’s life forever changes course when she stumbles upon Piers, a five-year-old orphan. Anna raises him to adulthood in Italy, anticipating the grief of knowing she will outlive him. Recall the importance of Piers to Anna, as well as to the overall story. What was your response when Anna returned to Italy decades later, meeting unexpected family?
6. Moving from country to country, Anna is self-conscious about her vitiligo, and whether it will cause her to be feared, shunned, exiled, or even killed. Over time, she learns to embrace herself and her skin. How did you react to Anna’s decision to no longer hide her skin? Which three words would you use to best depict Anna’s personality?
7. Being a shapeshifter means Khiran can change his physical form and appearance, as needed. If you could shapeshift, which form or features would you like to have: human or animal? Khiran is an immortal shapeshifter, but if you had to choose, would you rather be immortal or be a shapeshifter?
8. Returning to California, Anna becomes a guardian to Jiro. Like her relationship with Piers, Anna already feels the pain that comes along with being an immortal mother figure to a mortal being. How are Piers and Jiro similar? Alternately, how are they different? What was your response to the evolving relationship between Jiro and Khiran over the years?
9. Teleportation is a key part of Khiran’s magic, allowing him to move to and fro. If you had the magical power of teleportation, where would you teleport to, and why? Detail the places and people you would visit, or the types of activities you would do in this different location. Would you bring anyone with you? Who?
10. As immortal gods, Anna and Khiran experience several historical events, such as the death of Joan of Arc, the reign of Jack the Ripper, the founding of the United States, the uncertainties of World Wars I and II, and the moon landing. Which historical period mentioned in These Immortal Truths and These Godly Lies most interests you?
11. The Peaches & Honey duology introduces several gods, including Khiran, Eira, Silas, Cassius, and Kaia. Notably, the gods live in different locations, such as the meadow or the ocean. Picture the importance of each god to the overall story. How do their various locations influence their actions? Do you have a favorite god? Why or why not?
12. A recurring theme in both books is chosen family. Seeking safety, Anna and Khiran trek to the depths of the ocean to visit Kaia. What did you make of the familial relationship between Khiran and Kaia? Is there anyone in your life, friend or family, you turn to in times of need? What does this person mean to you?

Guide prepared by Stephanie Sendaula, MLIS, writer and librarian.